Larry Arthur Richards, 73, savored skiing in the winter and family beach fires in the summer. He passed away from a massive stroke on May 5 at Swedish Hospital in Seattle. He was surrounded by loved ones and will be dearly missed.

Larry was born to Arthur and Della Richards in Belle Fourche, S.D., in 1943.

He was a good man and a committed husband and father. He valued time with his family, new ideas, inventions and dialogue about ethical dilemmas. He loved duct tape, coffee refills, vanilla frosting and good beer. He shared stories about hard work on the family farm and had a passion for history and political events. He most valued his family and friends and contributing to a better world.

Enrolling in Whitman College in 1961, Larry was a Phi Delta Theta, history major and football player. His fraternity brothers remained some of his best lifelong friends.

He taught for 34 years and retired from the Oak Harbor School District in 2001.

While teaching in Mountlake Terrace, Larry met his wife Lurene. They married in 1976 and enjoyed 40 years together. Whidbey Island became their home and they lived an eclectic life with their two kids, Marika and Ryan. Larry’s family recently grew with the additions of a daughter-in-law, son-in-law and grandson.

Larry’s memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at the Coupeville United Methodist Church.

Memorial donations may be made to Smile Train (www.smiletrain.org), Larry’s favorite charity.